It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year…AP season. When time flies by and those dreaded tests roll around sooner than expected, it’s easy to lose time for studying. But don’t fret! Here are some last minute AP test study tips to maximize those precious moments before your exams.
- Organize your time
With limited time left, prepare to efficiently learn by sorting your notes into units, organizing information from throughout the year. Use a planner to divide the time remaining to study each of these topics, selectively focusing on major concepts, formulas, or important events. Prioritize subjects you don’t know well, but avoid getting caught on small details and focus on the big picture. By setting productive goals for each study session, you can make the most of each remaining day and avoid the stressful cram.
- Utilize study methods
Although various AP tests require different skills, here are some universal study methods that might help make preparing less hectic. To ensure your understanding of content-based memorization, try the blurting method: quickly read a chapter of your book or notes, then write down as much as you can remember. Blurting promotes actively recalling information instead of mindlessly reading, allowing you to see what ideas you missed when you re-read in detail. For heavy vocab and memorization, utilize the Leitner System with flashcards on Quizlet or Anki, sorting flashcards by difficulty and incorporating spaced repetition.
- Read example questions and answers
Familiarize yourself with the exam structure through practice tests, past questions, and released answers from the College Board. By evaluating old answers, you can learn what to avoid and how to structure your responses. Practice tests will help you anticipate the pacing and improve your speed for the actual exam. First hand experience is also advantageous, so reach out to people who’ve taken specific AP tests before for their advice.
- Review the rubric
To prioritize getting the maximum amount of points, read AP test rubrics to see what graders are looking for. For example, introductions and conclusions are often worth less points (and sometimes not even required), so leave space for those extra sentences and come back at the end if you have time — getting all your writing down first can also help spark ideas for your lead. In MCQ sections, answer easy problems first and come back to difficult questions to ensure you don’t miss out on free points.
- Get lots of rest
As tempting as it may be to stay up the night before for last minute cramming, you aren’t going to remember any of that information when you’re groggy and fatigued. Dedicate evenings to relax and take care of yourself so you can maintain a stable sleep schedule leading up to the AP test. By eating well-balanced meals, you’ll feel powered up for the long hours of testing.
No matter how well you do on the exams, don’t bring yourself down! AP season will swiftly pass, leaving free time at the end of the year for yearbook signing and summer bucket lists. Ultimately, prioritize your health before your score — you aren’t defined by a few hours of testing.
